We recently connected with Sophia Franzone and have shared our conversation below.

Sophia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Upon graduating college in 2013, I always worked a corporate job with a stable paycheck and did the same tasks every single day, but I had a bigger dream. When I had my son, I knew it was now or never. Even though I was a single mom at the time, I quit my job, used everything I had in savings for what I thought was going to be used for a down payment on a house, and started on an entrepreneurial journey as a Financial Advisor. 2 months later, COVID hit and it affected the economy enough for me to know that it wasn’t the right time to pursue a career in finance but failure wasn’t an option. I had to make a better life for my son and create enough flexibility to spend more time with him. This was so important to me because it was something I missed out on as a child when my own father constantly had to travel for work, and yes, I am a daddy’s girl, 100%. I had to think of what my options were, and that’s when a light bulb went off. Struggling postpartum, I didn’t feel like I looked like me. My brows and I had a love-hate relationship since middle school, and getting permanent makeup boosted my confidence enough as I rediscovered myself postpartum. Just the thought of pursuing permanent makeup made me feel more fulfilled so I decided to make the jump and take the risk.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sophia Franzone. I am a 4x Certified Licensed Cosmetic and Paramedical Tattoo Artist and the owner of Beseem Beauty LLC, independently contracted by The Lash Lounge Memphis – White Station. I love my kids, my fiancé, video games (been playing since 1993), and, of course, my job! I graduated from the University of Memphis in 2013 with the hopes of always being an entrepreneur, but never knowing what to do! Beauty has always interested me, but after getting permanent makeup for the first time, it boosted my confidence and gave a part of me back after giving birth so I decided to give it a shot! I know first-hand that getting permanent makeup can be scary, so the core values of my brand rely on integrity, trust, and communication to ensure each client is both educated and confident in their decision on whether or not this is the best option for them. During the process, we discuss the service of interest in great detail, about the color, shape, style, and technique that works best and aligns with what is wanted. Nothing is tattooed without mapping, design, technique, and color of the permanent makeup approval. Currently, I offer microblading, ombré/powder brows, permanent eyeliner, and lip blushing. I am also rolling out scar camouflage and inkless stretch mark revision now and am taking models!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There is a lot of anxiety that comes along with cosmetic and paramedical tattooing. Tattooing someone’s brows, lips, and eyeliner requires a lot of mutual trust but I always have my family to anchor me when the nerves get to me. They ground and support me, teaching me the true meaning of unconditional love and strength. I especially rely on them now that I am rolling out 2 new services: scar camouflage and inkless stretch mark revision.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Contracting my business. When I first opened my business, it was in a salon suite. Since I was new to the Memphis area, I paid a Marketing Manager to teach and help me use Facebook and Instagram ads to funnel leads. It was a great start but not cost-effective for a first-year business owner. I started looking for another business model and decided that contracting my business out was the best option. After a month of looking, I started working at The Lash Lounge Memphis – White Station. My clientele has not only grown, but the environment has also helped me grow and continues to teach me more about the beauty industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thelashlounge.com/tn-memphis-white-station/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sophia_tllmemphispmu/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/beseembeauty